Five Essential Fall Home Maintenance Tips

As fall settles into the Pacific Northwest, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder, wetter months ahead. A few simple maintenance steps can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your family safe and comfortable all season long. Here are five key tasks to tackle this fall:

1. Test Your Heating System

Turn on your furnace or primary heating system before the first cold snap. Listen for unusual noises, check for odd smells, and make sure it’s producing steady heat. If anything seems off, schedule a service call before you’re relying on it every day.

2. Winterize Outdoor Water

Frozen pipes can cause serious damage. Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor hose bibs, and cover them with insulated caps. This small step helps prevent bursting and expensive repairs.

3. Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, book a professional chimney sweep. Creosote buildup is a major fire hazard, and an inspection ensures your fireplace is safe and ready for cozy evenings indoors.

4. Get Winter Tools Ready

Don’t wait until the first snow or icy morning to dig out your tools. Bring shovels, scrapers, and ice melt out of storage now so they’re ready when needed.

5. Check Emergency Supplies

Power outages are common during storm season. Test your generator, replace old batteries, and stock up on essentials like flashlights, blankets, and nonperishable food.

By taking care of these simple tasks now, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges of fall and winter. A little effort in September and October can save time, money, and stress later in the season.